Joker discusses USC receiver

Kentucky coach Joker Phillips on Alshon Jeffery. The Gamecock receiver leads the SEC in receptions per game with 6.8 and has 34 catches for 625 yards and four scores.

Kentucky's Joker Phillips discussed the matchup his secondary faces Saturday when it goes up against South Carolina.

South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery leads the SEC in receptions per game with 6.8 and has 34 catches for 625 yards and four scores. His 125 yards per game also leads the SEC. He's a big reason quarterback Stephen Garcia has completed 72 percent of his passes (73 of 101 for 944 yads and eight scores).

"Jeffery is a huge matchup. He is so big (6-6). He is not blessed with great speed, but he has great athleticism," Phillips said. "He's a physical guy at the line of scrimmage. He is a great rebounder, which is what we are talking to (UK receiver) Chris Matthews about, too. Jeffery is that and it started against us last year. He will have a lot of confidence in this game. This is where he started his breakout last year.

"He is a good post player. After he posts you up, he is strong and physical and can shove you to the ground and make a play. We tried to recruit him. He played with (UK defensive lineman Donte) Rumph in high school. They just throw it up to him. Last year we were in great position on him and didn't make plays. We have to be more physical with him at the line."